Emperor Qing used Lin Gong’s death as a pretext to wage war against Northern Qi
The Crown Prince did not believe that Sigu Jian was the one who killed Lin Gong, but Chen Pingping was adamant. He explained that Lin Gong had failed to assassinate Fan Xian on Niulan Street, resulting in the deaths of two of Sigu Jian’s disciples. While Sigu Jian would not blame Fan Xian for acting in self-defense, he would hold those who orchestrated the plot accountable. Furthermore, Northern Qi was behind the scheme, aiming to destabilize the capital. Such underhanded tactics were despicable, and Chen Pingping advised Emperor Qing to consider launching a campaign against Northern Qi. Although Emperor Qing acknowledged Chen Pingping’s advice, he cautioned against rash decisions, given the complexities of initiating a war.
Understanding the duo’s intention, Lin Ruofu knelt tearfully, pleading with Emperor Qing to avenge his son by waging war against Northern Qi. Seizing the opportunity, Emperor Qing agreed, reassuring Lin Ruofu to take care of his health and manage the six ministries efficiently, especially with the impending war. Lin Ruofu, seeing the situation was set, requested that Lin Gong’s body be returned to the family for a proper burial. Chen Pingping agreed and suggested breaking off the engagement between Fan Xian and Lin Wan’er due to the animosity between the families. However, Lin Ruofu and Emperor Qing decided the marriage should proceed, but only after the war.
After the meeting, Emperor Qing punished the Crown Prince by confining him to the Eastern Palace for three days for slandering his elder brother. Leaving the palace with Lin Ruofu, Fan Xian confirmed he had met the Second Prince and Xie Bi’an, concluding that the Second Prince was not involved in Lin Gong’s death. Lin Ruofu, though skeptical of Sigu Jian’s involvement, understood the pretext for war against Northern Qi. Despite his high rank, he recognized his limitations when national interests were at stake and even began to suspect palace involvement in Lin Gong’s death.
Seeing Lin Ruofu’s despondence, Fan Xian felt conflicted, recalling how Lin Gong had killed Teng Zijing. While avenging Teng offered little solace, the true victims were their loved ones left behind. Lin Ruofu quickly composed himself, advising Fan Xian not to trust Chen Pingping and hinting at reassigning him from the Overwatch Council post-marriage. Before parting, Lin Ruofu urged Fan Xian to spend more time with Lin Wan’er.
As they exited the palace, the Princess Royal summoned Lin Ruofu, offering condolences for Lin Gong’s death. Lin Ruofu, aware of her true intentions, was cold towards her, recognizing her interest lay in his power, not his well-being. Despite her feigned weakness and his hostility, she proposed canceling Lin Wan’er’s engagement to Fan Xian, citing her desire to retain control over the inner treasury. Lin Ruofu, acknowledging Wan’er’s genuine affection for Fan Xian, refused, wishing for his daughter’s happiness and health.
On his way home, Fan Xian unexpectedly encountered Lin Wan’er. In a secluded spot, she tearfully asked if he had killed Lin Gong, clutching a dagger Lin Gong had given her. Fan Xian’s denial brought her to tears, and she collapsed into his arms. She confessed that if Fan Xian were responsible, she would only have the option of ending her own life, unable to bear such a brutal reality, intensifying Fan Xian’s guilt. He reassured her that Sigu Jian was the culprit and that Emperor Qing would soon declare war on Northern Qi to avenge Lin Gong, though Wan’er found no solace in the prospect of further bloodshed.
Meanwhile, Chen Pingping encountered Fan Jian on the street and insisted on canceling Fan Xian and Lin Wan’er’s engagement. Fan Jian argued that Fan Xian preferred a peaceful life over political involvement, but Chen Pingping remained steadfast in his plan to hand over the Overwatch Council to Fan Xian. Unable to persuade each other, they parted on uneasy terms.
Feeling guilty for deceiving Wan’er, Fan Xian visited Teng Zijing’s grave. His sister, Fan Ruoruo, followed, understanding his turmoil but emphasizing the necessity of sparing Wan’er the painful truth for her well-being. Fan Xian found some comfort in her words.
In the dungeon, Chen Pingping informed Si Lili that Sigu Jian and Northern Qi orchestrated Lin Gong’s assassination. Despite her fear of Chen Pingping, whose reputation in Qi rivaled that of a demon, he reassured her that as long as she kept the secret, she would be spared, honoring Fan Xian’s promise.
Late at night, Wuzhu visited Fan Xian, who confided in him about the day’s events, questioning Chen Pingping’s interest in him. Wuzhu explained that it was because of his mother, Ye Qingmei. After her death, Chen Pingping had avenged her by shedding blood in the capital, demonstrating his deep loyalty to her memory.